Evaluating the Potential Benefits of Implementing AASHTO Guide Specifications for the Analysis and Identification of Fracture Critical and System Redundant Members

Authors

Robert J. Connor, Purdue UniversityFollow
Cem Korkmaz, Purdue UniversityFollow
Amit Varma, Purdue UniversityFollow
Charles J. Kieffer III, Purdue UniversityFollow
Aurora Ebert, Purdue UniversityFollow

Recommended Citation

Connor, R. J., Korkmaz, C., Varma, A., Kieffer, C. J., III., & Ebert, A. (2024). Evaluating the potential benefits of implementing AASHTO Guide Specifications for the analysis and identification of fracture critical and system redundant members (Joint Transportation Research Program Publication No. FHWA/IN/JTRP-2024/13). West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University. https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284317746

DOI

10.5703/1288284317746

Abstract

An exploratory study was conducted for some bridges in the state of Indiana that evaluated the implementation potential of the AASHTO Guide Specifications for Internal Redundancy of Mechanically-Fastened Built-Up Steel Members (IRM Guide Specification) and the AASHTO Guide Specifications for the Analysis and Identification of Fracture Critical Members and System Redundant Members (SRM Guide Specification). The outcomes for the project included (1) determining if the application of the Guide Specifications on a wider scale would be beneficial to INDOT; (2) identifying which bridges or members were “truly” non-redundant in the selected bridges, thus allowing a more targeted inspection program that would minimize the risk associated with member failures; (3) developing a more targeted inspection program for the bridges eligible to be classified as IRMs and SRMs, and (4) proposing a strategy to move forward with a state-wide implementation plan to analyze other bridges presently classified as having NSTMs. This report addresses the bridge selection process used in determining the list of structures in the state of Indiana for IRM and SRM evaluation, as well as a detailed description of the IRM and SRM evaluation processes.

Report Number

FHWA/IN/JTRP-2024/13

Keywords

AASHTO, guide specifications, redundancy, Internally Redundant Member (IRM), System Redundant Member (SRM), Non-Redundant Steel Tension Member (NSTM), Fracture Critical Member (FCM), bridge evaluation, Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), bridge inspection, steel bridge, bridge instrumentation/monitoring

SPR Number

4631

Performing Organization

Joint Transportation Research Program

Sponsoring Organization

Indiana Department of Transportation

Publisher Place

West Lafayette, Indiana

Date of this Version

2024